ICF and RPS within Cerebral Palsy

 Introduction 

This week we will look at the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework (ICF) and the Rehabilitation Problem Solving (RPS) form based on the ICF with children who have Cerebral palsy.

Objectives

To undrestand the concept of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health in the field of children with cerebral palsy

To understand the importance of using this framework for working with children with cerebral palsy

Be apply to the ICF and RPS in working with children with cerebral palsy and their family

International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Framework (ICF)

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, known more commonly as the ICF, is a classification of health and health-related domains. These domains are classified from body, individual and societal perspectives by means of two lists: a list of body functions and structure, and a list of domains of activity and participation. Since an individual’s functioning and disability occurs in a context, the ICF also includes a list of personal and environmental factors. The ICF is WHO's framework for measuring health and disability at both individual and population levels. 

ICF has two parts and each part has two components:
Part 1 - Functioning and Disability

• Body functions and body structures 
• Activities and Participation

Part 2 - Contextual Factors

• Environmental factors
• Personal factors.

Terminology used in the ICF: 

• Impairments are problems in body function or structure such as a significant deviation or loss e.g. paralysed leg
• Activity limitations are difficulties an individual may have in executing activities e.g. walking
• Participation restrictions are problems an individual may experience in involvement in life situations.e.g. joining school
• Personal factors are: gender, ethnic background, age, other health conditions, fitness, education, social background, coping styles, etc
• Environmental factors are: products and technology, natural environment and human made changes to environment ,support and relationships, attitudes, values and beliefs, services, systems and policies

ICF in (Community Based) Rehabilitation

Using ICF provides a (scientific) basis for understanding health and health-related states. It supports looking at and analysing other factors which influence how people with a disability function and participate in their society/community. The ICF establishes a common language around the world, also within the Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) context. The ICF also enables people to look beyond impairments and activity limitations such as; social, environmental, personal and cultural issues. Internationally the use of the ICF in rehabilitation services is becoming more and more popular.